Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.  Psalm 126:5-6

     Sue Emmertson was a person with love to give away.  Every night for thirty years she prayed that God would give her children.  She smiles when she says, “God put a little check mark by my name, and gave my kids to me all at once.  I can’t imagine life without them.” There are close to 150 orphans—young adults from Sudan--living in Salt Lake City who rely on her love, kindness, and help. 

     Sue is a research analyst who volunteered to teach a computer class to the African refugees.  In doing so, she realized they needed more than a volunteer—they needed a mom.  Soon she was driving them around, helping them find jobs and settle in low-income apartments.  Now she shows up at soccer games, Christmas parties, and picnics.  They all consider her to be their mother.

     When we plant the seeds of what we want, we reap a harvest.  We just need to be flexible about how that harvest will look. When we ask God for something, we have in mind a picture of what we hope it will look like, and many of us refuse to accept any answer but the one we are asking for. We want the answer our way and our way only. Sadly, when we are like that, we miss the many answers to prayer that God gives us. We miss the richness of a life that comes to us in a myriad of surprising ways. We miss the wonder of a God who responds to us in ways that we had not conceived, way beyond our ability to put pieces together so that not just ours but many people’s prayers are answered. We miss an answer that is far more reaching than the one we are insisting upon. Basically, we miss life abundant!

     Decide you will be the one who asks, who seeks, who knocks. God is the One who answers!

*Where have you been “sowing in tears”? Will you choose to let God answer His way?

Father, for such a long time I have pleaded with you about __________________. I confess my demanding spirit. I know that trying to manipulate the Lord of the Universe is utter foolishness. No wonder I am so weary. I want to trust You. So now, by an act of my will, I relinquish this desire to You. I will accept Your will, whatever that may be, believing that this will work together for the good. I bend my knee with thanksgiving to You, Amen.


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